However unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

"However unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a statement that is unexpected or contrary to what has been said or implied. For example: "He was determined to find the lost treasure. However unlikely, he was sure it was buried somewhere in the cave."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, CK1, CK2, and CK4 remained as promising crossreactive candidates for further development.

Nature

However, 5-[125I]iodo-2′-deoxyuridine ([125I]IUdR, 1A) was not shown to be stable against such degradation.

Nuclear Medicine and Biology

However, BS5950, AS4100, and Eurocode 3 provide nonconservative predictions in other cases.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

However, c9, t11 CLA supplementation does not appear to affect PTH in healthy men.

Nutrition Research

However, Fe2O3, TiO2 and ZnO NPs did not cause serious membrane disruption as Al2O3 and SiO2 NPs.

Journal of Environmental Sciences

However, IKZF1, IKZF3, and KPNA2 expression differed in hyperdiploid MM (high protein levels) and t(11 14) MM (low protein levels), highlighting the two major genetically distinguished groups.

Nature

However, 200 1-h cycles at 1100 °C resulted in a more significant increase in surface roughness.

Surface and Coatings Technology

However, 3α- 3,4-dichlorophenylmethoxy -3β-phenylnortrop-2-ene (7b) exhibited high affinity at all three transporters [(DAT Ki = 22 nM), (SERT Ki = 6 nM) and (NET Ki = 101 nM)].

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

However, 3-, 5-and 10-year returns deteriorated, with the 10 year horizon even falling into negative territory.

TechCrunch

However, (1, 0, 0) ∉ B. Thus, B is not closed.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

However, 5, 10 t ha−1 and NPK reduced by 29, 13 and 70%, respectively.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however unlikely" to introduce a surprising or unexpected twist in your writing. It adds emphasis to the contrast between what's anticipated and what's actually being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "however unlikely" when a simple "although" or "though" would suffice. "However unlikely" emphasizes a significant improbability, not just a general contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however unlikely" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause. It introduces a statement that is surprising or unexpected, given the circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "however unlikely" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting statement that seems improbable or unexpected. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively introduces a statement that is unexpected or contrary to what has been said or implied. While the phrase is valid, it should be used judiciously to emphasize a significant improbability, rather than as a simple substitute for "although". The lack of examples suggests it may be best employed when a strong contrast is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though improbable

Replaces "however unlikely" with a more straightforward expression of improbability.

even if improbable

Emphasizes the conditionality of the statement despite the unlikelihood.

despite the odds

Highlights the contrast between the situation and the low probability of success.

against all expectations

Stresses the unexpected nature of the statement given the circumstances.

improbable as it may seem

Formally acknowledges the unlikelihood while introducing the statement.

though against the odds

Similar to "despite the odds" but with a slightly different phrasing.

unlikely as it is

Highlights the unlikelihood of the situation.

even if it seems improbable

Emphasizes that even if it seems unrealistic, something might still be possible.

though it may not seem likely

Acknowledges the low chance of something happening.

despite seeming unrealistic

Highlights that the outcome contrasts with initial impressions of realism.

FAQs

How can I use "however unlikely" in a sentence?

"However unlikely" introduces a statement that contrasts with what might be expected. For example, "He was determined to find the lost treasure. However unlikely, he was sure it was buried somewhere in the cave."

What are some alternatives to "however unlikely"?

You can use alternatives like "though improbable", "even if improbable", or "despite the odds" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "however unlikely" or "although unlikely"?

"However unlikely" often emphasizes a greater degree of improbability or surprise compared to "although unlikely". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What is the difference between "however" and "however unlikely"?

"However" generally introduces a contrast, while "however unlikely" introduces a contrast specifically against something that seems improbable. "However unlikely" adds an extra layer of emphasis on the improbability.